The Importance of your Electrical System

General

We turn on our vehicles every day with the switch of the ignition, but have you ever stopped to think of how this is possible? It is your vehicle’s electrical system that makes it so.

Not only is the electrical system important for starting up your vehicle, but it is also important for keeping your vehicle running as you drive it. In addition, it is the electrical system that is also responsible for the functioning of things such as your headlights, your radio, and your dashboard.

These are a Few of the Main Components of Your Electrical System:

The Battery – The battery is what gives life to all of your electrical components. Without it, your vehicle would not move. The battery is the component that gives power to things such as your alarms, your ignition, your signals, and your lights. Most batteries will need to be replaced every three to five years, potentially more if you live in a colder climate.

The Starter – It is also the battery that provides life to the starter. As the name states, it is the starter that helps to start the car. As a general recommendation, you should turn off as many electrical components (a/c, radio, etc.) as possible when starting your vehicle so that the starter does not become overloaded. The largest user of power in your vehicle, the starter generally lasts for quite a long time.

The Alternator – The alternator is the main source of power whenever the engine is running. It is the alternator that sends electricity to the battery, giving the charge that it needs to run properly. If the alternator is weak, your battery will lose charge quickly and soon, your vehicle will be unable to start.

To prevent any problems with your electrical system, it is highly recommended that you have routine maintenance tasks performed. A common auto electrical service is called a “load test” and tests to make sure that your vehicle is generating enough power to give life to all of electrical parts. Regular checkups on your electrical system can help to identify small issues that could affect your vehicles functioning – before they become large issues that prevent you from driving at all.

In addition to checking the alternator and the battery, electrical connections will also be checked. If there are any loose or faulty connections, you may also experience issues with your electrical components. Additionally, your battery will always be checked for signs of corrosion and your alternator will be cleaned to prevent a build-up of dust, dirt, or grease.

If you want your electrical system to run at full capacity, it needs to receive the proper voltage. Low voltages can lead to a variety of issues such as a failure to start, an alternation in controls, and stalling.

In many cases, we ignore electrical problems until the very last minute. But because the electrical system affects the functioning of so many vehicle components, it is always recommended that you have any problems checked and repaired immediately. Preventative work can help to prevent problems from ever arising in the first place.

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